Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances in this category are mainly kettles and toasters, alongside a smaller range of cooking appliances such as induction hobs and built-in single ovens.

Kettles

Compare capacity, usually around 1.7 litres for a jug kettle and smaller for travel kettles, and power rating: 3kW models boil fastest. Cordless kettles lift off a separate power base, and features such as boil-dry protection, a removable filter and a visible water window are worth checking. In hard water areas limescale builds up on heating elements, so a filter kettle or regular descaling as the instructions describe helps keep it working well.

Toasters

Choose the number of slots (two or four), the slot width for thick bread or bagels, and long slot models for larger slices. Safety advice for toasters:

• Empty the crumb tray often, as built-up crumbs can catch fire.
• Unplug before cleaning, and never put metal objects or fingers inside; if bread sticks, unplug and use wooden tongs.
• Keep the toaster away from the sink and other liquids.
• Register new appliances with the manufacturer so you are told about any recall.

Hobs and ovens

Induction hobs heat the pan directly, so pans need a magnetic base: if a magnet sticks firmly to the underside, the pan will work. Built-in ovens and hobs are often wired to their own circuit. In England, installing a new circuit is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, so it must be done by a registered competent person or notified to building control.

For other small electricals, see home electrical; for pans and utensils, see kitchen and dining.